At the same meeting, council members also approved payment plans for the extension of utility services following the expiration of the declaration. The disaster declaration currently protects those unable to pay for utilities from facing disconnection from service.
With the amendment to utility payments, residents will be able to extend their service for up to six months with monthly installation payments to pay off any outstanding balances. Previous city code did not allow for extension for more than one month without discontinuation of service.
Payment assistance for utilities is also available through United Way and Denton County Coalition of Agencies to Restore Essential Services, according to city staff.
The city originally declared a local state of disaster for Lewisville on March 13 and has continued to extend the declaration through approved resolutions at council meetings.
Ongoing evaluation of the spread of COVID-19 and recommendations from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a decision to extend the disaster declaration further necessary, according to the city.